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ROUNDUP Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel ROUNDUP function rounds a number up to a specified number of digits, always rounding away from zero regardless of the number's sign. Unlike standard ROUND which rounds to nearest, ROUNDUP consistently increases the magnitude of the value.

Syntax

ROUNDUP(number, num_digits)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
number	`Number`	Yes	The value that you want to round up away from zero
num_digits	`Number`	Yes	The precision level - positive for decimals, 0 for whole number, negative for tens/hundreds

Using the ROUNDUP Function

ROUNDUP is perfect for scenarios where you need guaranteed upward rounding, such as calculating billing amounts, loan payments, or statistical upper bounds. Use positive num_digits for decimal precision, 0 for whole numbers, and negative values to round entire digit groups.

Common ROUNDUP Examples

Basic Integer Rounding

=ROUNDUP(3.2,0)

Rounds 3.2 up to the nearest whole number (4) - ideal for counting or billing.

Decimal Precision

=ROUNDUP(76.9,0)

Converts 76.9 to 77, ensuring no fractional loss.

High Precision Rounding

=ROUNDUP(3.14159,3)

Rounds pi to 3 decimal places as 3.142 for display or calculation.

Negative Number Handling

=ROUNDUP(-3.14159,1)

Rounds -3.14159 up to -3.2 (magnitude increases).

Tens/Hundreds Rounding

=ROUNDUP(31415.92654,-2)

Rounds to nearest hundred as 31500.

Frequently Asked Questions

ROUNDUP always rounds away from zero (up), while ROUND follows standard banker's rounding to nearest even.

Yes, it increases the magnitude: -3.2 becomes -4 or -3.2 depending on num_digits.

Absolutely - negative values round to tens (-1), hundreds (-2), etc.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE!

Cause: Non-numeric input in number or num_digits

Solution: Ensure both arguments contain valid numbers

Unexpected results with decimals

Cause: Misunderstanding num_digits behavior

Solution: Remember: positive=decimal places, negative=places left of decimal

Notes

Always rounds away from zero, never down
Use CEILING for mathematical ceiling to specific multiples
Perfect companion to ROUNDDOWN for range calculations
Available since Excel 2007 and all modern versions

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365, Excel for Web

Not available in:

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+